Brakes replaced at 16k

[billsoder]

I was just told by the local dealership service department that my EX needed new front brake pads after 16,000 miles. Has anyone else had this problem?

I do more city than highway driving but this seems ridiculous. I'm not overly aggressive and have never had this problem on any other car. Compared to a Lexus I had previously this car does not coast well when i take my foot off the gas. Could the brakes be touching the rotors constantly due to incorrect adjustment?

[ramprun]

i notice that the car doesn't coast very well i have to slightly touch the gas pedal for it to coast properly. I wonder if the EX has hill assist or something that will not let the car go down hill too fast.

[aft981]

That doesn't seem right. I was told my rear brakes needed replacement at 32,000 miles, and I was annoyed enough about that. Prior vehicles I've had brakes replaced roughly every 50-60k miles, and my driving habits haven't really changed.

I would insist that they are replaced under warranty, there is noooo way you should have to replace brakes every 16k.

Edit: Actually, thinking about it, they told me at the time that the rear brakes always go first. Something doesn't add up there.

[scottt]

Was this a AWD model or RWD? Do you have the lane correction system? The lane correction system uses the brakes to keep the vehicle in it's lane, when I looked into it, I felt it would use brakes faster. The lack of coasting you are noticing is due in part to the engines high compression ratio. They have them set-up so the fuel is almost off when you take your foot off the gas, for better mileage, the new high compression engines provide a lot of braking power. I test drove a TDI Diesel VW, my wife hated the way it responded when you took your foot off the gas, they have very high compression and it feels like you hit the brakes. One idea

Scott

[billsoder]

It's a RWD without lane correction. That makes sense about the engine causing the quicker deceleration. If that's the case then wouldn't the brakes last even longer since the engine provides helps scrub speed? Maybe it's legit and the pads wore out fast but I just wanted to see if this is an anomaly or something common for these vehicles.

[jmess]

I have a 2wd and had the oil changed last week at 15k. The safety inspection noted my front pads are at 90% and the rears are at 80%. I expect my rears to need replacing before the fronts due to the traction control and how hard I use it. My car has the high tech package but I don't like how the nanny features work so I don't use them.

I would find it really hard to believe that your fronts are gone at 15K due to normal wear. You might want to get a 2nd opinion or pull one of the front wheels off and check it out for yourself.

[adam007to]

I just had my 2 rear brakes changed at 30 000 miles (48000 KM) and needed one of the front rotors to be machined as it was causing vibrations while braking. Its an awd model. I really wish the rotors and brake pads were made of sterner stuff as I find they warp too easily. I understand we have great grip with them but never had this problem of warping with my last car.

[stevedds]

I got the word from my dealer that all 4 rotors needed to be turned and rear pads replaced at 30,000 mi. Seems ridiculous- $700 of it.

[kamiguy]

The dealer turned all 4 rotors after only 18,000 km(approx.11,000 miles) at N/C to me due to vibration under braking on my 2008 AWD EX35. Pads were OK.

[jmess]

If you have moderate mechanical ability you can replace all the rotors and pads with new genuine Nissan parts yourself for less than $500 shipped.

A new front rotor cost about $83 + shipA set of new front pads cost $77 + shipA new rear rotor cost $70 + shipA set of new rear pads cost $60 + ship

Why you are at it, you should change the brake fluid.

[ramprun]

brake fluid isn't easy to change like engine oil. if you have some tricks to make it painless please share with us. i would love to change my break fluid but i am afraid of introducing bubbles to the system.

[EXceptional]

Pick up one of these... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y195Pti7aFo

Go on eBay... they are the cheapest... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...Tools

As you may have noticed, there is a "Plastic" version and then there is the "Pro" version like in Stacey's Video.

[EXceptional]

Another guys Video on the same Product... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0oUejw5Edc&NR=1

[jmess]

brake fluid isn't easy to change like engine oil. if you have some tricks to make it painless please share with us. i would love to change my break fluid but i am afraid of introducing bubbles to the system.

I do it using the buddy system and keeping a close eye on the fluid reservoir level. I have a home made bleeder bottle left over from my racing days (jar with mental top, hole drilled in top, clear tubing stuck in the hole). Sometimes having a small funnel for adding fluid to the reservoir is good. I have used ramps in the past to get access to the bleeder screws.

[seldomseen]

s***ty rotors/brakes are a common problem with Infiniti. This problem just seems to carry over from year to year.

[ex4jj]

My wifes 08 EX has only 5K miles after a year and I am astonished that a rotor needed to be turned already. I think they should have replaced with milage that low rather than turning, but haven't called back yet being that she took it in for service. Other than that and the recalls she loves the car. bought last july for 37K (msrp=41k) with 6 yr free interest-still think its a great deal. Only other complaint is the crowded back seat and cargo, but knew that going into it. Like it alot but prefer my lexus sc430 both are white!

[ARK07]

I had a similar problem just last week, with only 13K on the wifes 08-AWD, about 1-1/2yrs old, we started to get a shimmy/shake when braking. I assumed it was a bad rotor and I requested when I brought it in, that the rotors be replaced rather than turned, as at this rate I would only get 25-30K before they need to be replaced and presumably I would be paying for it than. He said they would check into it and let me know. They replaced both rotors under warranty with no issues. As I discussed this with the service rep, he made a comment that he agreed with me, and that the rotors can only be "turned once" and it would be my buck the next time if they would have been turned now.

[RioD007]

Mine got new Hawk HPS pads at 20k